Top 6 Network Troubleshooting and Security Interview Question

1. What is your experience with Cisco routers and switches?

I have experience configuring and maintaining Cisco routers and switches, including setting up VLANs, implementing security protocols, and troubleshooting network connectivity issues.

2. How do you troubleshoot network connectivity issues?

I begin by using ping and traceroute to identify the source of the problem, then check the configuration on the affected devices and check for any physical issues such as cable or port problems.

3. How do you secure a network?

I implement security measures such as firewall policies, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems to protect against external threats and unauthorized access.

4. How do you handle software and firmware updates on network devices?

I schedule regular updates for network devices and test them in a lab environment before implementing them in the production network.

5. Can you explain VLANs and VLAN tagging?

VLANs (Virtual LANs) are a way to segment a network into smaller, logical sub-networks. VLAN tagging is the process of adding a tag to a frame header to identify which VLAN it belongs to. This allows network devices to understand which frames belong to which VLAN and where they should be forwarded.

6. How do you monitor and maintain network performance?

I use tools such as SNMP and network management software to monitor network performance, identifying and troubleshoot issues such as high utilization, and ensuring that the network is running smoothly.